Could you tell us a bit about your significant successes in your role? 

In my role, I lead the group’s corporate legal and company secretarial teams that manage legal and compliance matters, shareholder services and the negotiation and implementation of strategic acquisitions, joint ventures and commercial partnerships. This involves advising stakeholders across the business on a range of subjects spanning M&A, governance, financing, data, privacy and commercial law, while leading a high performing team of experienced legal and company secretarial staff to deliver seamless service as true legal business partners.  

For my achievements in-role, I have been recognised as Corporate Lawyer of the Year by the Association of Corporate Counsel, in 2019, and In-House Leader by Australasian Lawyer, in 2020. In 2021, the team was also awarded Technology Media and Telecommunications Team of the Year by Lawyers Weekly. 

Some of the most recent significant transactions our legal team has worked on include some strategic acquisitions and divestments in furtherance of Domain’s digital-first marketplace strategy. In 2021, we acquired Insight Data Solutions, a leading provider of data and valuation services to financial institutions and government for upfront consideration of AU$60m. In 2022, we participated in the acquisition of Realbase, a leading property and marketing technology platform, including a A$180m capital raising on the ASX, in the acquisition of minority interests in MarketNow Payments Pty and establishment of new strategic partnerships with Realty Assist, and in the divestment of Domain’s non-core minority stake in Oneflare Pty Limited to Airtasker Limited. 

Furthermore, some of our advisory work included administering Domain’s equity joint ventures, including advising on shareholder rights, preparing equity investment agreements, drafting board papers and ensuring the timely payment of dividends, and facilitating the delivery of Domain’s AGM, annual report and anti-modern slavery reporting. Additionally, we advised on the refinancing of Domain’s corporate debt facility, and assisted in negotiating a joint venture, content syndication and IP licence agreements with strategic partners. 

What is the biggest risk to your industry or organisation and how are you contributing to prepare your organisation for this? 

One of the biggest risks to digital and data-rich businesses is data insecurity. Whilst data protection is a responsibility of the whole business, I am deeply involved in a range of projects aimed at testing and reinforcing Domain’s data handling practices. One current example is my involvement in the design and onboarding of a new consumer data platform for Domain, aimed at creating identity “clean rooms” to de-risk data sharing. I also have a key role to play in ensuring that acquisition targets and prospective commercial partners are properly examined for data security risks, prior to integrating them into the Domain ecosystem. 

What challenges have you overcome to get to the position you are in today? 

As a full-time working mother of two young children, my career as an M&A lawyer and senior leader has not been without its challenges. Some of the key challenges I have faced include time management, energy management and perception management.